Spunky.Fresh.Designs 11 Posted August 16, 2014 Hello Just joined today. I'm Emily from South Florida. I worked at a sign shop back in high school but that was 12 years ago. Just placed my first order including my machine. Can't wait to get my hands in and start making things happen. Looking forward to sharing (well.... asking a whole lot of questions) I'm very excited that I found this forum...makes jumping in head first just a little less scary 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted August 16, 2014 welcome!!! Feel free to pick our brains! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted August 16, 2014 welcome from Indiana, I don't have a brain left to pick.... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arty-rc 719 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome from Southeast Florida Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome from south carolina. Easy on the brain picking not much left here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome from Idaho, although I lived in the Jacksonville-wintersprings area for a couple years. You found a great forum with some very friendly folks. I found it a few years back and they helped me out so much I stayed on to return the favor to others where I can. (make sure you read my signature) What machine did you start out with? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djque 246 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome from cali . what machine you purchase. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr300s 1,272 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome from Southwest Florida Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Go-C Graphics 856 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome from Orlando! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dawn's Design 403 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome from Mississippi.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 16, 2014 SpunkyFresh, You go girl! While you're waiting for the delivery of the boxes, take a bit of time and clear out a nice workspace, and prepare it with all sorts of little things you'll immediately need ---- weeding picker, xacto knife, masking tape, 70% alcohol, rulers, utility knife (boxcutter), t-square, and I highly suggest you download and install SignBlazerElements from the USCUTTER website ---- http://support.uscutter.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/GetAttachment/190/24198 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwp99 283 Posted August 16, 2014 Hello and Welcome from Florida. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome from the tip top of Virginia! 12 years? Things aren't that much different in cut vinyl... machines have gotten better, more selection in vinyls. Heat press stuff is amazing with foils, sparkles, prints & glow in the dark options. Oh, and the digital color print & cut machines for decals, prints and transfers are awesome....and pretty reasonably priced considering what they can do. Gotta have one! Let us know what equipment you are starting out with. Sue2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spunky.Fresh.Designs 11 Posted August 16, 2014 Thanks Everyone! I bought the 53" US Cutter SC series. It was on sale. It may be overkill for now but I wanted to keep my sizing options open. Anyone have this machine? Arty--Where about in Southeast Florida? I'm in Lauderdale. Slice&Dice---Have just about all of that. Unfortunately my home is way to small to squeeze in a work space so I rented out an air conditioned warehouse space where I will be building a table with matting and everything. Have just about everything on that list except sign blazer. I'll be sure to check that off my list Thanks Speaking of building a table....What are castors used for? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spunky.Fresh.Designs 11 Posted August 16, 2014 oh....and a weeding picker? I never used that before...I used a dull exacto to weed vinyl....should i buy one of those? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted August 16, 2014 Hello and welcome. Most people i know just use a exacto with a nice point 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted August 16, 2014 I've always used an exacto...but I can see where the curved picker could come in handy on PIA small detailed stuff. Especially detailed HTV. May have to add one to another order just to see. Sue2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted August 16, 2014 I use darning/basting needles for weeding, nice sharp point, easy to handle, I keep a pin cushion on my work station...works for me... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arty-rc 719 Posted August 16, 2014 Arty--Where about in Southeast Florida? I'm in Lauderdale. WPB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwestcorp 32 Posted August 16, 2014 Welcome. I'm in Martin County, Florida - Indiantown! Been doing this alone for 20+ years out of my home. Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 17, 2014 I use this weeding tool -- (xacto on one end, sharp point on the other). Stock # G447 from GRIMCO about $7. And castors are wheels. For rolling the table around. Make sure they have locking tabs, to prevent rolling. Or leave them off entirely, if you have no need to move it. And while the 53" machine will certainly impress everyone who sees it, you'll most likely be using 15" and 24" vinyl (with some 30" now and then). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted August 17, 2014 And while the 53" machine will certainly impress everyone who sees it, you'll most likely be using 15" and 24" vinyl (with some 30" now and then). Yep. I had a 48" P-Cut and even bought a five yard roll of white 48" but never used it and eventually cut it down after I upgraded to just a 30" machine. That's ok though, like slice said it will have the cool factor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spunky.Fresh.Designs 11 Posted August 17, 2014 Yeah I wasn't too sure what would be needed down the road. I only bout 24" vinyl to start. It was buy a 24" machine for 250 or double the size for 400. It just seemed logical. Who cares about the cool factor of what the machine looks like...I'm just hoping what's comes through it makes people go Wow! Looking forward to all of this. Can't wait until my packages get here Wednesday. It's going to be like christmas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted August 17, 2014 I have never needed anything bigger than my 24" machine could cut. Have a 42" wide format printer and have seldom needed the full width.... mostly use 36" substrates and print 2 up. As it is, the darn thing is huge! I can't imagine the real estate your 53" will take up. But my business is printing not signs. We mainly print forms, business cards, flyers etc...quick signs & decals are an add-on...no installs. What I can't do I sub-out or refer to reliable independent businesses. Your needs may be different. Sue2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted August 17, 2014 oh....and a weeding picker? I never used that before...I used a dull exacto to weed vinyl....should i buy one of those? That will work fine,esp. since that's what you are used to. Don't fall into the trap of buying stuff you don't need just because you think it will make you more 'professional'. It won't. I buy dental pics at Harbor Freight for weeding and a pack of 5 will last me for years. http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-pick-set-93514.html 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
